Turkey Cranberry Sliders: Thanksgiving Leftovers Magic in Minutes!

Tired of the same old turkey sandwiches after Thanksgiving? Transform your holiday leftovers into something extraordinary with these Turkey Cranberry Sliders that everyone will be fighting over! These mini sandwiches take those forgotten turkey slices and cranberry sauce and turn them into mouthwatering bites that taste even better than the original feast.

Hi! I’m Emily, the creator behind Bikren Cook, and these Turkey Cranberry Sliders saved my family from leftover fatigue last year. After spending hours preparing our Thanksgiving feast, I found myself staring at containers of turkey that nobody seemed excited about. That’s when inspiration struck – what if I could recreate the holiday magic but in a fun, handheld format? These sliders were such a hit that my family now looks forward to leftovers more than the actual holiday meal!

In this recipe, I’ll walk you through selecting the best leftover turkey pieces, creating the perfect sweet-savory balance, and achieving that irresistible melty cheese pull that makes these sliders so special. You’ll learn my time-saving prep techniques, baking secrets, and creative variations to keep the post-holiday magic going all weekend long.

Why These Turkey Cranberry Sliders Work

• Uses leftover turkey that might otherwise go to waste
• Transforms cranberry sauce into a sweet-tangy spread that balances the savory turkey
• Ready in just 25 minutes – perfect for post-holiday relaxation
• Slider format makes them perfect for snacking, lunch, or dinner
• The buttery topping creates an irresistible golden crust
• Great for feeding hungry holiday guests without additional cooking stress

Choosing the Right Turkey for Cranberry Sliders

Best Turkey Cuts for Sliders

The beauty of these Turkey Cranberry Sliders is their versatility. While white breast meat slices beautifully and provides a lean option, don’t overlook dark meat from thighs and legs. Dark meat often remains juicier after refrigeration and brings richer flavor. For the ultimate slider, mix both white and dark meat for texture and taste variety.

Leftover Turkey Tips

When selecting turkey from your Thanksgiving leftovers, look for pieces that aren’t too dry. If your turkey has been properly stored in an airtight container for no more than 3-4 days, it should be perfect. Slightly thicker slices (about ¼ inch) work best for these sliders, giving substance without overwhelming the bun.

Turkey Substitutions

No leftover turkey? No problem! Deli turkey works wonderfully, especially smoked varieties that add depth. For a non-turkey option, consider using leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even sliced vegetable beef roast for a different twist.

Turkey Cranberry Sliders Ingredients & Prep

Turkey Slider Essentials

Preparing your ingredients properly ensures the best flavor in your Turkey Cranberry Sliders:

• Slice turkey thinly but not paper-thin (about ¼-inch thick)
• Bring cranberry sauce to room temperature for easier spreading
• If using homemade dinner rolls, slice them while slightly frozen for cleaner cuts
• Pat turkey dry with paper towels to prevent soggy sliders

Slider Ingredients List

• 12-pack Hawaiian sweet rolls (kept intact)
• 2 cups leftover turkey, sliced
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 8 oz Swiss cheese slices
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• Fresh thyme leaves (optional)

Buttery Topping Mixture

• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme

Looking for more creative holiday recipes? Check out my collection of mouthwatering creations that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings!

Step-by-Step Turkey Cranberry Slider Instructions

Pre-Cooking Turkey Slider Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Without separating individual rolls, slice the entire pack of Hawaiian rolls horizontally.
3. Place the bottom half in your prepared baking dish.
4. Mix mayonnaise, Dijon, and honey in a small bowl to create a spread.
5. Spread this mixture evenly over the bottom half of rolls.

Assembling Turkey Cranberry Sliders

1. Layer half of the cheese slices over the mayo mixture.
2. Distribute turkey evenly across the cheese layer.
3. Spread cranberry sauce over the turkey.
4. Add the remaining cheese slices.
5. Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese.

Topping Turkey Sliders

1. In a small bowl, combine melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, parsley, and black pepper.
2. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the rolls, allowing some to drip down the sides.
3. Cover loosely with foil.

Baking Perfect Turkey Sliders

1. Bake covered for 10 minutes at 350°F.
2. Remove foil and continue baking for 5-8 more minutes until the tops are golden brown and cheese is melted.
3. Let rest for 5 minutes before cutting into individual sliders.

Pro Tips for Perfect Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Avoiding Soggy Turkey Sliders

• Pat turkey dry before assembling to remove excess moisture
• Create a “barrier” with cheese slices on both sides of the turkey and cranberry
• Don’t overload with cranberry sauce – a thin layer provides flavor without sogginess
• If making ahead, wait to add the butter topping until just before baking

Tool Recommendations for Sliders

• Serrated knife for clean cuts through the rolls
• Offset spatula for even spreading of condiments
• 9×13 baking dish with at least 2-inch sides
• Pastry brush for applying butter mixture evenly

Storage & Reheating Turkey Sliders

Store assembled but unbaked sliders (without butter topping) in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For already baked sliders, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through – avoid microwaving as it makes the rolls tough.

If you love these sliders, you might also enjoy my Japanese Curry Bun recipe for another amazing handheld treat!

Turkey Slider Flavor Variations

Sweet-Savory Turkey Slider Twists

• Apple-Cheddar: Replace cranberry with thin apple slices and swap Swiss for sharp cheddar
• Thanksgiving Midnight: Add a thin layer of stuffing and a drizzle of gravy between turkey and cranberry
• Mediterranean: Use turkey, provolone, and a spread of roasted red pepper hummus

Diet-Friendly Turkey Slider Options

• Low-Carb: Use cloud bread or lettuce wraps instead of Hawaiian rolls
• Dairy-Free: Substitute with dairy-free cheese alternatives or avocado slices
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free dinner rolls or slider buns

Global Turkey Slider Flavors

For more global flavor inspiration, check out these Japanese Miso Mushroom recipes that can add unique flavors to your holiday cooking!

Turkey Cranberry Slider Serving Suggestions

These sliders are versatile enough to be served for lunch, dinner, or as party appetizers. For a complete meal, pair with:

• Leftover Thanksgiving sides like green bean casserole or sweet potato casserole
• Light garden salad with vinaigrette dressing
• Kettle chips or sweet potato fries
• Creamy soup like butternut squash or wild rice

For beverages, sparkling apple cider complements the sweet-savory profile perfectly, or try apple-cranberry punch for a family-friendly option. If serving these at a post-holiday gathering, a crisp Pinot Noir or Riesling would pair beautifully.

Looking to make these sliders the star of your game day spread? Check out my Air Fryer Burger recipes for more crowd-pleasing ideas!

Turkey Cranberry Slider FAQs

Can I make these Turkey Cranberry Sliders ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything except the butter topping up to 24 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then add the butter topping just before baking. You may need to add 3-5 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

How do I prevent my Turkey Cranberry Sliders from getting soggy?

The cheese acts as a barrier between the bread and moist ingredients. Always place a layer of cheese directly on the bread, then add turkey and cranberry. You can also lightly toast the inside of the rolls before assembly.

Can I freeze these Turkey Cranberry Sliders?

These sliders can be frozen either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble without the butter topping, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add butter topping, and bake as directed.

What can I use instead of cranberry sauce?

Cranberry jelly, raspberry jam, or even orange marmalade make excellent substitutes. For a less sweet option, try a thin layer of apple butter or fig spread.

Conclusion

Turkey Cranberry Sliders are the ultimate solution to Thanksgiving leftover fatigue – transforming holiday basics into something everyone will crave. The combination of tender turkey, sweet-tart cranberry, melty cheese, and buttery rolls creates mini sandwiches that might just outshine your original feast!

These sliders have become a post-holiday tradition in my home, and I hope they’ll become one in yours too. The best part? While they taste like you spent hours in the kitchen, they come together in minutes – giving you more time to enjoy with family and less time cooking.

Don’t let those Thanksgiving leftovers go to waste! Give them new life with these irresistible Turkey Cranberry Sliders that will have everyone asking for the recipe. And remember – the only thing better than Thanksgiving dinner might just be these sliders the next day!